Mahathir: Don’t hinder Umno-PAS dialogue

The former premier says PAS leaders who disagree with Nik Aziz’s stand should not stand in the way of the dialogue.

(Bernama) – PAS top leaders who are against their party spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s suggestion for a dialogue with Umno, should not hinder the initiative, said former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“The dialogue would give an opportunity for both parties to present their views and find a solution to unite Muslims divided by political ideology,” he told reporters when asked for his comments.

He added that PAS leaders should have an open mind and be willing to share their views.

Nik Aziz was reported to have expressed his readiness to hold a dialogue with Umno but other leaders in the party including its secretary-general Mustafa Ali and vice-president Mahfuz Omar had rejected the idea.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in Kuala Lumpur two days ago that Umno did not have any qualms about having the dialogue with PAS in the interest of the Muslims, the Malays and the country.

On the call by Perak Mufti Harussani Zakaria last Monday for a discussion on the propriety of PAS’ use of “Islam” in the party’s name, Mahathir said he already had the gut feeling that the Malay community would become disunited when PAS included it when registering the party.

Meanwhile, Mahathir when met after opening the RM12-million new Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) building in Langkawi, said the resort island needed a tower such as the eiffel tower in Paris to draw visitors from all over the world.

He expressed satisfaction that the island’s development had contributed to a better livelihood for the residents.

In Kulim, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom told reporters that the dialogue mooted by PAS was much-awaited by the Muslims and Malays in the country.

He believed the majority of the people would not reject the suggestion if it was sincere and for the sake of unity of Muslims.